(C) Daily Yonder - Keep it Rural This story was originally published by Daily Yonder - Keep it Rural and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Scholar Speed Round: 2016 Bezos Scholar Michael Mireles [1] [] Date: 2024-08 This month, we’re excited to feature 2016 Scholar Michael Mireles, from Edinburg, Texas. As a Scholar, Michael founded the South Texas Ideas Festival (STXi) which is still running six years later! STXi engages students and their families in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in South Texas to dream big, do the unthinkable, and go beyond the negative stigmas that can emanate from racial and socioeconomic factors. Serving as an exposé about the life and resources of the RGV, STXi was created as a platform for young adults to engage in dialogue centered around identity, culture and community with the message that you do not always have to leave the place you are from to be successful. Recently Michael graduated from Brown University and now lives in San Antonio, Texas. He works as the Southwestern Redistricting Coordinator for MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund). In this role, he serves as an analyst and mapper, helping his firm with litigation and drawing districts that enable Latinos to get fair representation in Texas’ statewide district maps. Aside from his work, Michael is looking forward to running his annual food and supply drive this Christmas with his friends (three years running). 10 Questions with Michael What is a favorite memory from when you were a Scholar? My favorite memory was a conversation I had on the last night in Aspen with my educator scholar, Marcos Silva. We were talking about what we had learned from the program and were already brewing ideas for what we wanted to bring back home. Who do you currently live with? I share an apartment with my best friend from university and my Pitbull, Nube, the friendliest dog you’ll ever meet. She’s traveled all over the country by car with me, from California to Rhode Island! Share one item from your life-time bucket list you have achieved/accomplished: I went to China! If you had a theme song what would it be and why? Amen by Logic. I would consider it my current theme song. It’s been a long journey from university to now, and I’m grateful of how far I’ve come along with my hometown friends. If you were a speaker at the next Aspen Ideas Festival what would the title of your session be and what would it be about? I would title my session, “What now?” I’ve been thinking a lot about the political violence that’s occurring in Texas right now, specifically with the legislation restricting abortion and voting rights. There are ways to exercise power through small moments, at home and with friends that create hope and change during these times. Scholar’s choice - what’s something you’ve been telling yourself lately? Life’s too short to not wear a cowboy hat. At this moment in your life, what are you most proud of? At this moment, I’m proud of the work I’m doing at MALDEF. I get to fight for voting rights in my community, it’s exciting and a privilege. What is your hope for young people rising into leadership positions? All the things we seek to mobilize change around are there regardless of whether you’re in a leadership position or not. Step humbly into the leadership roles you’re presented and remember where your heart is. What is something that people often get wrong about you? That I’m intense! I work hard, but I’m a real softie when it comes down to it. What is the one thing you’re deeply grateful for right now? I’m grateful for the people who have put their time and trust in me. I wouldn’t be living my best life right now if it weren’t for those who lent me their patience and wisdom. We’re blessed to have you as part of the Scholar community. Thank you, Michael! [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.bezosscholars.org/story/scholar-speed-round-2016-bezos-scholar-michael-mireles Published and (C) by Daily Yonder - Keep it Rural Content appears here under this condition or license: Creative Commons CC BY-ND 4.0 International. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailyyonder/